Your Questions About Myanmar Kyat - Answered!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Burmese Money for Travelers

As late as 2012, travelers to Myanmar had to go through a special kind of hell where money was concerned. Myanmar had no ATMs, no authorized money changers, only black market traders willing to sell you kyat at exorbitant rates. You couldn't even use dollars or the local currency then: tourists had to buy "foreign exchange certificates" pegged to the dollar.

But economic liberalization over the past five years has changed all this immensely. Travelers visiting Myanmar can follow the same money rules that apply all across the region, with money changers, ATMs, credit card terminals and dollar-friendly establishments all ready to take your cash in the customary fashion.

Things are still fluid on the ground; we've taken the most commonly-asked questions about the Myanmar kyat and answered them below.

What is the local currency in Myanmar?

The local currency in Myanmar is called kyat (ISO: MMK) is pronounced "chat"; these come in denominations as low as 50 pya (cent equivalent) to 10,000 kyat.

Tourists are unlikely to see these extreme denominations, though, as the most common banknotes in circulation range from 100 to 5,000 kyat.

02 of 08

Can I use foreign currency in Myanmar... like the U.S. dollar?

The U.S. dollar is accepted in many hostels, hotels and resorts in built-up or touristy areas like Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. You'll have better luck flashing the green in Bagan, where many restaurants let you pay in either U.S. dollars or in kyat.

Some establishments advertise prices in U.S. dollars, but also accept kyat as payment. Rural markets and mom-and-pop restaurants generally accept only kyat.

Establishments accepting dollars will only take the crispest, most pristine dollar bills available. Bills with minute creases or smudges will be rejected, to say nothing of ragged bills that look as if they've been through the washer a couple of times.

03 of 08

What's the conversion rate from dollars to kyat?

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"1,000 kyat = 1 US dollar" used to be a common rough conversion for local-currency payments, but as the value of the kyat has inched lower relative to the greenback, establishments now convert as needed and charge kyat prices closer to the current exchange rate.

Where can I change my Myanmar kyat?

Money changers are available practically everywhere in tourist-friendly destinations like Bagan and cities like Mandalay and Yangon. As the economy opens up, selling dollars on the black market (formerly the only place to get greenbacks in-country) has lost its appeal.

Are there ATMs in Myanmar?

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Yes, more than you think! While foreign banks are as yet not allowed to operate in Myanmar, major local banks like Kanbawza (KBZ) Bank, Asia Green Development Bank and CB Bank use automatic teller machines that connect to interbank networks like Cirrus and Visa Plus.

These machines are often set up alongside prominent pagodas; I found at least two on the upper platform of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, and one next to Hpaung Daw U Pagoda near Inle Lake. ATMs allow a maximum withdrawal limit of MMK 300,000 per day.

Consider withdrawing from your own ATM-based account if bringing dollars into Myanmar is inconvenient for you, but do note that the banks will charge a MMK 5,000 minimum fee per transaction, not including the fee deducted by your own bank!

Can I use my credit card in Myanmar?

Credit card use is limited to hotels and mid- to high-end establishments catering to tourists. Some high-end hotels do not accept credit cards, but I was surprised to find an Inle Lake silver shop that took my MasterCard willingly.

It's better to assume they don't, but email or call your hotel beforehand to check if they'll take your plastic.

07 of 08

Do I need to tip in Myanmar?

Not expected, but appreciated. If you like their service, leave behind a bit of change.

The Myanma at the moment are not accustomed to being left large gratuities; Edwin Briels of Khiri Travel told me that a visiting acquaintance of his had left the usual 20% tip at a restaurant in Yangon, only to be pursued by the waiter as they were walking out the door - "Sir, you forgot this!" - then handed back the excess!

08 of 08

Do I need to haggle when shopping in Myanmar?

Mike Aquino

Yes! For most market and streetside stall shops, the first price quoted is usually absurdly high, and you can haggle the services down to as little as fifty percent if you're persistent. But don't assume all shops will allow you to dicker down this low; silver and gem shops don't have as much leeway, and shops in high-end establishments will not allow any haggling at all.

Do remember to haggle good-naturedly; treat this as a game where winning or losing is of no importance to you. For more on getting more bang out of your buck, read our article on haggling in Southeast Asia.